The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene an emergency meeting at 11 a.m., Wednesday in New York, which is 1 a.m. early Thursday morning here in Seoul.
UN resolutions 1718 and 1874 ban Pyongyang from using any nuclear or ballistic missile-related technology.
Shortly after the North's rocket launch attempt in April, the 15-member Security Council added a so-called "trigger" clause to a presidential statement, reflecting the Council's determination to take action in the event of another missile launch or nuclear test by Pyongyang.

South Korea, the United States and their allies have strongly denounced the launch.
The White House called the launch a serious provocation that directly violates UN resolutions.
Officials at Korea's foreign ministry say even if the launch was unsuccessful, the launch itself would be considered a violation of the UN resolutions.
They added Seoul will seek stronger punitive measures that it did after the April launch.

Close consulations amongst the members of the six-party talks are also underway.
U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Sung Kim and Commander of U.S. Forces Korea James Thurman met with South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan earlier Wednesday, and the Foreign Minister Kim spoke with his Japanese counterpart over the phone.

Meanwhile, China, the North's long-time ally, also expressed regret over the second rocket launch.
It was among the many nations that had urged North Korea not to go ahead with its plans, and had called on the North's leadership to act prudently.
Back in April, the veto-wielding, permanent member of the Security Councilhowever was not on board with the idea of further restricting the North's finances.
Heo Seung-ha, Arirang News.